Rawhide Dog Treats

When I first brought Em home, I thought I had it all figured out.

Organic kibble? Check. Stainless steel water bowl? Check. A pile of rawhide bones from the pet store that promised hours of chewing joy? Check.

But three weeks later, Em was rushed to the vet with a swollen belly and blocked intestines.

That’s when I realized something every dog parent needs to hear:

Rawhide isn’t what you think it is. 

Rawhide treats are made from the inner layer of cow or horse hides. They’re chemically processed to strip the hair, bleached for a clean appearance, then glued or flavored with artificial stuff no human would touch.

They’re marketed as “natural,” but they can contain:

• Sodium sulfide

• Bleach

• Toxic preservatives

• Artificial dyes

• And here’s the kicker: rawhide isn’t digestible. It swells in your dog’s stomach and can block their intestines —or worse.

Because they’re cheap to make. Because they sell fast. And because not enough pet parents know the truth yet.

But you do now. And that changes everything.

Sweet Potato Chews for Em

📝 Ingredients:

• 1 large sweet potato

• A sprinkle of cinnamon (optional)

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Slice into 1/4 inch thick strips

2. Air fry at 250°F (120°C) for 3–4 hours or bake at lowest oven setting

3. Let cool and store in fridge for up to 2 weeks

Crunchy, chewy, safe. Em goes wild for these.

Let’s unpack why people still buy rawhide despite the risks:

• “The store sells it, so it must be okay.”

•  “It’s on sale! Must be good.”

• “I always give my dog these… she loves them.”

That’s what got me. I didn’t question the habit—until it nearly cost Em her life.

If you saw your dog gagging, panicking, needing surgery… you’d do anything to go back and choose different.

Now you can.

At Pup Memorial , we’re building a collection of the safest, cleanest, most delicious homemade dog treat recipes out there—from Frozen Apple Snacks to Peanut Butter Chews to Blueberry Bites .

Because your dog isn’t just a pet.
And she deserves better than rawhide.

If you found this guide helpful and want more safe, natural alternatives to commercial chews, explore our top picks:

🧊 7 Frozen Treats with Yogurt & Ice Trays – Cooling & tummy-friendly
🍌 No-Bake Peanut Butter Banana Bites – Pantry-safe & pup-approved
🥓 Bacon Grease Dog Treats – Meaty & irresistible
🎂 The Only Dog Birthday Cake Recipe – Celebration made safe
🧼 Soft Banana Dog Treats – Gentle for older pups
💧 Frozen Pumpkin Applesauce Treats – Rawhide alternative
🍏 Oatmeal & Applesauce Treats – For sensitive tummies
🍗 Meaty Dog Treats (Safe & Homemade) – Real meat, no risks

🐾 Or browse our full Dog Treats Blog Library – 100+ recipes loved by real dog parents.